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The Power Of Political Advertising

The Power Of Political Advertising

Update: 2024-08-285
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Digest

The podcast delves into the strategies employed by the Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns to portray their respective opponents. The discussion highlights the use of advertising, particularly biographical ads for Harris and negative ads targeting her prosecutorial record. The chapter also explores the role of online advertising and the contrasting approaches of both campaigns, with Harris outspending Trump significantly on online platforms like TikTok and YouTube, while Trump focuses on traditional media channels. The podcast further examines the significant financial resources being poured into the election campaign, with both Republicans and Democrats spending hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising. The discussion highlights the shift in spending patterns, with the Trump campaign increasing its spending as Harris gains a slight lead. The chapter also explores the differences between traditional TV ads and online ads, particularly in terms of audience targeting and messaging.

Outlines

00:01:00
Campaign Strategies and Portrayals of Opponents

This chapter analyzes the contrasting campaign strategies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, focusing on their use of advertising, online platforms, and messaging to portray their opponents and appeal to specific demographics.

00:09:51
Campaign Spending and Advertising Strategies

This chapter examines the significant financial resources being poured into the election campaign, with both Republicans and Democrats spending hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising. The discussion highlights the shift in spending patterns, with the Trump campaign increasing its spending as Harris gains a slight lead. The chapter also explores the differences between traditional TV ads and online ads, particularly in terms of audience targeting and messaging.

Keywords

Project 2025


A 922-page blueprint outlining Donald Trump's plans for a second term, aiming to consolidate his power and implement a conservative agenda. It has been criticized for its extreme policies and potential impact on American democracy.

Progressive Prosecutor


A prosecutor who prioritizes social justice and reform over traditional law enforcement methods. This term has become a point of contention in the election, with Republicans using it to attack Harris's record and Democrats highlighting her commitment to criminal justice reform.

Digital Advertising


Online advertising platforms like social media, search engines, and websites used to target specific audiences with tailored messages. It has become increasingly important in modern elections, allowing campaigns to reach younger voters and tailor their messaging to specific demographics.

Swing States


States with a close electoral history, where the outcome of elections can significantly impact the overall result. These states are crucial battlegrounds for both campaigns, as they often determine the winner of the presidency.

Super PAC


Political action committees that can raise unlimited funds from corporations, unions, and individuals to support or oppose candidates. They play a significant role in modern elections, often spending heavily on advertising and other campaign activities.

Q&A

  • How are the Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns using advertising to portray their opponents?

    The Harris campaign is focusing on biographical ads highlighting her middle-class background and experience, while the Trump campaign is using negative ads to paint her as a \"dangerous San Francisco liberal\" and criticize her prosecutorial record.

  • What are the key differences between the online advertising strategies of the Harris and Trump campaigns?

    Harris is outspending Trump significantly on online advertising, targeting younger voters on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Trump's campaign is focusing on traditional Republican voters through more traditional media channels.

  • How is the Trump campaign using the concept of a \"progressive prosecutor\" to attack Kamala Harris?

    Republicans are using Harris's record as a prosecutor to portray her as \"soft on crime\" and argue that her policies would lead to increased crime rates. They are contrasting her with Trump, who they claim is tough on crime.

  • What is Project 2025 and how is the Harris campaign using it to attack Trump?

    Project 2025 is a 922-page blueprint outlining Trump's plans for a second term, which includes many controversial policies. The Harris campaign is using it to paint Trump as extreme and out of touch with the needs of the American people.

Show Notes

Ad spending in the 2024 presidential election is nearing $2 billion. With Vice President Kamala Harris' late entry to the race, we look at how her campaign and that of former President Donald Trump are trying to define Harris politically through advertising.

This episode: White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, political reporter Stephen Fowler, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.

The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The Power Of Political Advertising

The Power Of Political Advertising